Playing in the final of the Copa Sudamericana was to be the highlight of a glorious season for the team from a small city of less than 200,000 inhabitants in the state of Santa Catarina.

Founded in 1973, the team has been playing in Brazil”s Serie A since only 2014 but is currently ninth ahead of much more famous and established teams such as Sao Paulo, Fluminense and Cruzeiro.

Last week, it became the first Brazilian team in three years to make it to the final of the Copa Sudamericana, South America”s second most important club competition, after beating Argentine side San Lorenzo.

One of the founders of the club, Alvadir Pelisser, told BBC Brasil the tragedy had put an “end to everyone”s dream”. “We were a family, I”m shocked,” he added.

Media captionRescuers are working in cold, hilly terrain with only hand torches for light

What is the reaction?

Brazilian President Michel Temer announced three days of national mourning, and top Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona held a minute”s silence at the beginning of their practice sessions.

Image caption Bodies from the crash site were removed at daylight on Tuesday Image caption A young boy mourns the team at their stadium in Chapeco – many more have gathered outside

Chapecoense”s vice-president, Ivan Tozzo, told cable channel SporTV: “There are a lot of people crying in our city. We could never imagine this. Chapecoense is the biggest reason for joy here.”

Goalkeeping coach Marcelo De Quadros Kunst stayed in Brazil with players who did not travel to Colombia.

He told the BBC: “We see wives fainting, ambulances taking them to the hospital, family members holding on to football boots left behind.”

Argentine forward Alejandro Martinuccio was one of those who had to stay behind. “I was saved because I got injured,” he told Argentina”s La Red radio.

“I feel profound sadness. The only thing I can ask is prayers for the companions who were on the flight.”

Image caption The Chapecoense badge has changed from green to black on the club”s social media account as a mark of respect

Other sporting plane crashes

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